Putting Together a Porsche

Let the reassembly begin: heads are on, and other parts are following.

Fresh ARP studs are a beautiful thing.

We’ve also been sourcing a bunch of other parts that could be filed under the heading of “while you’re in there, might as well do it.”

We have been quite productive during the past month. No, our 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera isn’t yet up and running, but it’s coming together.

The engine is currently apart so we can replace the broken head stud. We took the opportunity to have JB Racing work on the cylinder heads, and they’re beautiful. Did we need to redo the heads? No, but why not replace the aging valve guides and freshen everything while we had the chance? And did we mention how beautiful they are?

We’ve also been sourcing a bunch of other parts that could be filed under the heading of “while you’re in there, might as well do it.” Things on that list: flywheel pilot bearing, timing chain ramps, clutch horseshoe spring, oil pressure switch and assorted O-rings and gaskets. Total cost: a few hundred dollars.

We even purchased a new throw-out bearing clutch release fork. Yes, it added $112.50 to our total, but this part has been known to crack and stretch with age. Replacing it now is a 5-minute job. Once the engine is back together, well, then it’s another huge task.